SEVEN DEMANDS TO THE SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT ON DEVOLVED SOCIAL SECURITY

We urge the Scottish Government to take the following important steps to improve devolved social security. Working with other groups like Action Against Austerity and We are all Daniel Blake, ECAP aim to help create a movement strong enough to insist the new devolved powers are used to make positive changes, in the face of the onslaught on social security from the Tory government in Westminster.

Drop the Tory mandatory reconsideration system from the new Scottish Social Security Bill – the appalling results of this complicated two-stage appeals system were vividly shown in “I Daniel Blake”. Claimants refused benefits must be able to immediately lodge an appeal to an independent tribunal. This would still give the opportunity for the decision to be reviewed internally before going to appeal.

Drop the punitive measures in the Social Security Bill which could result in claimants who make an innocent mistake being prosecuted for fraud. In the current UK system the state needs to show there was deliberate fraud – in the proposed Scottish system claimants could be taken to court if they “ought to have known” they should have reported a change in their circumstances. The Government must also drop the measure in the bill which allows the state to demand repayment of benefits overpaid due to official error.

WHAT IS ECAP?

Edinburgh Coalition Against Poverty brings together people on benefits and low wages to support each other and resist austerity. ECAP is based in the self-managed Autonomous Centre of Edinburgh (ACE) and is part of Action Against Austerity. We oppose poverty through solidarity and self-activity rejecting influence by any political parties. We believe that with enough people direct action can make the rule of bosses and their political protectors unworkable. Every Tuesday 12 – 3pm at ACE we run an open support and solidarity session for benefits and other poverty problems. No appointment needed, but if busy you may need to wait. All welcome to come along to the organising meeting 7pm on the first Monday of the month at ACE, 17 West Montgomery Place EH7 5HA, email ecap@lists.riseup.net